NEW AWARDS FOR CLASSIC HEROES

Brooklands and Bicester Heritage feature in early discussions for European heritage prize

British organisations that work tirelessly to promote classics are being considered for a new Europe-wide award celebrating motoring heritage.

The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) has announced a new Culture Award, with nominations due by 31 August.

The international body, which links the world’s classic vehicle organisations (in the UK’s case, the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs), is aiming to celebrate best practices related to historic vehicle promotion, management, research, education and communication. Three categories have been outlined for the awards: research; dedicated service by individuals or organisations; and education, training and the raising of awareness.

Nataša Grom, president of the FIVA Culture Commission, says: ‘There are smaller, less wealthy outfits that are contributing hugely to our international mobile heritage and deserve a bit of praise. We need nominations from anyone – in any part of the world – who knows of people, projects or organisations that are helping to promote historic vehicles as a part of humankind’s cultural and technical heritage.’

Geoff Lancaster, communications director of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, says: ‘I think that there are any number of candidates in the UK. We haven’t decided who to nominate yet, or how many nominations we will make, but Bicester Heritage, Brooklands and the British Museum at Gaydon, among many others, all came up among our early discussions.

‘ With all modesty, I think it’s also worth mentioning the apprenticeship setup we now have in the UK, which is the best among Europe in terms of its focus on historic vehicles.’